Jay Blasi was destined for the golf business. His father brought a plastic golf club to the hospital when Jay was born to put in his crib, then built him and his brother a backyard green. Putting by the age of 2 was just the beginning.

He was doodling golf holes on restaurant placemats in crayon by 4 and at 18 said in a newspaper interview that his career goal was to design a U.S. Open course. Jay eventually did just that, as his childhood obsession turned into a career.

Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, he earned a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin. After honing his craft with Robert Trent Jones II from 2001 to 2012, Jay struck out on his own, bringing fresh, dynamic designs to private clubs, developers, and even a few ultra-private backyards.

His solo work has been nothing short of sensational, with all his work winning awards. His broad portfolio speaks to his ability to work in any setting, from the epic expanses of modern U.S. Open host Chambers Bay to the tight corridors of the 115-acre classic Santa Ana.